BMW recall: Plug in contact cable may malfunction
- What's wrong
- It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle.…
- What to do
- Contact a BMW dealer to book the free repair. Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
What’s wrong
It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
The fix
Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
Vehicles affected
| Model | Built from | Built to | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 SERIES | 1 Dec 2009 | 13 Oct 2011 | 36,410 |
| M3 | 1 Dec 2009 | 13 Oct 2011 | 36,410 |
| 3 SERIES | 1 Dec 2009 | 13 Oct 2011 | 36,410 |
| Z4 | 1 Dec 2009 | 13 Oct 2011 | 36,410 |
| M3 | 1 Dec 2009 | 13 Oct 2021 | 36,410 |
| X1 | 1 Dec 2009 | 13 Oct 2011 | 36,410 |
How to check your vehicle
Use the official DVSA checker with your registration number to see if your exact vehicle is included. If it is, the manufacturer should have written to the registered keeper. The repair is free, even if you bought the vehicle second-hand.
Updated 10 April 2017. This page summarises an official notice. Details can change – always follow the official notice.